Lot 4583

Description

Vitellius, (A.D. 69), Paduan cast medal, after Giovanni Cavino, (20.34 g), obv. laureate head of emperor Vitellius to right, around A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP AVG P M TR P, rev. Honos standing right, holding sceptre and cornucopiae facing Virtus standing left, holding parazonium and spear, around HONOS ET VIRTVS, S C in exergue, (Lawrence 27, Klawans 1). Of good style, good very fine, scarce.

Ex Dr. V.J.A. Flynn Collection and previously from M.R.Roberts retail sale in packet described.
This medal is copied from a genuine coin by Giovanni Cavino (The Paduan) an Italian medallist, contemporary with Benevenuto Cellini, who was born at Padua in 1499 or 1500. Little is known of his life and his medals were probably made at Padua where he resided until his death in 1570. He was aided by his son Vincenzo who probably continued to use his dies after his death. He is best known for his numerous imitations of Roman large-brass coins and medallions which are known as "Paduans". One hundred and twenty two of his dies are preserved at the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris. However the great majority of the number of medals that survive today and called "Paduans" are cast from moulds from these original die struck medals. the cast medallic issues are relatively common.